SuQi (F/32) came for eye examination, complaining of eye pain & glaring especially after watching movie using hp.
Unaided VA (Vision without glasses)
R: 6/6
L: 6/6-
Examination shows: (Binocular Refraction)
R: PL/-0.50×105 (6/6) (+1.00 blur lens test 6/9-)
L: PL/-0.75×90 (6/6) (+1.00 blur lens test 6/9-)
Add is not favoured
Other assessments show:
Examination of Eye Alignment/Vergence (Cover Test)
NMD @Distance & Near
(normal value: orthophoria/NMD-No Movement Detected or small XP fast recovery)
EP = Esophoria is misalignment of the eye, eye is deviated inwards
XP = Exophoria is misalignment of the eye, eye is deviated outwards
SuQi’s autorefractor power/computer power shows 200 & 125 shortsighted power in right & left eye respectively. Since she can see the smallest line 6/6 without glasses, we know the computer power is not the true power. This so-much higher shortsighted power is detected probably from overstimulation of her accommodation/focusing, due to watching movie continuously in a near distance. When we tried giving her relax power on near vision, she found it blurry. Her eye muscles may be stuck/unable to relax due to the prolonged hours facing hp.
Proper visual hygiene is very important at this era of digitalisation. We cannot emphasise enough on these healthy SOPs for our eyes:
- Regular break in between your near work by 20-20-20 rule
- Harmon distance, the healthy distance to hold your digital devices
- Proper posture
- Good lighting
- Wear your glasses as advised
Like in SuQi, she has mild astigmatism in both eyes. Her vision is still okay without glasses, except for some glaring during night driving. Her eye pain may be associated with long hours staring at screen resulting in muscle spasm/”otot mata kejang”. This goes to show that continuous screen time at a close distance will bring about varying degree of eye discomfort to eye pain, even to drastic power increase especially in children. Adult may just complain but children with their eyes highly accommodative, can simply withstand the long screen time without feeling tired.. only to find that their powers keep increasing frequently.
Let us all ensure healthy SOPs for our eyes always❤️